Agenda 4-a - OWASA Annual Update Presentation

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OWASA Annual Report 5 January 29, 2019 Page 4 For raw water(at point of source and not yet treated), the EPA does not have a health advisory level, nor any other guidance in place. OWASA's raw water sample from Cane Creek Reservoir measured 120 ppt(PFOS and PFOA combined). The upstream sources of PFOS and PFOA at this site are not certain at this time. There are no facilities typically associated with elevated levels of PFASs in the watershed(although we do not have historical information on past land use). We do know that other utilities have applied biosolids in the watershed; OWASA does not. PFASs can be found in everyday products such as carpet, clothing, and cookware because they increase resistance to water, grease, and stains. As these products are treated, washed, or degrade, PFASs can enter wastewater systems and then travel onward to lakes and rivers. They are used in manufacturing processes for a variety of reasons including repelling moisture and reducing mechanical wear. Through these uses, PFASs can also enter water through industrial releases or discharges from wastewater treatment plants. Studies indicate that the use of powder activated carbon(PAC) is successful in the removal of some PFASs but not all. Consistent with these studies, OWASA's use of PAC has also resulted in the removal of some PFASs but not all. The EPA does not provide formal guidance on PFASs mitigation, though the agency has announced its intention to publish a PFASs management plan in the future. In the absence of formal guidance, we are in the process of implementing a PFASs monitoring plan—consisting of quarterly sampling of Cane Creek Reservoir and our treated drinking water—to ensure we have localized data. We will continue to share results and action plans with the community. 4. Agua Vista/Advanced Metering Infrastructure OWASA has upgraded more than 21,000 meters across Chapel Hill and Carrboro with remote read capability, representing more than 95% of our installation target. The Agua Vista project remains on time and on budget. Leveraging the nearly real-time data the meters provide, OWASA is communicating with customers when we observe increased water use beyond normal consumption patterns that suggest a water leak. As a result of these proactive notifications and customer service outreach, the number of customers making requests for OWASA to come and do on-site checks for leaks have greatly decreased. For example, service requests were 50% lower in September 2018 than in September 2017. To enable customers to track their own water use, we are in the process of implementing a web portal where customers will be able to track their water use data and learn conservation tips. The Agua Vista customer portal is scheduled to launch in March 2019. 5. New rates, system development fees OWASA's Board of Directors adopted the budget for July 2018 through June 2019, which included a 2% increase in monthly water and sewer(wastewater,)rates as of October 1, 2018. As a result, a monthly water and wastewater bill for a single-family residence (using 4,000 gallons each month) increased $1.41 per month. This was the first increase in OWASA's monthly water and sewer rates in six years. The fiscal year budget included a $21 million Capital Improvements Plan, representing critical investments in the community's water and wastewater infrastructure.